Is Waterloo Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Waterloo is a municipality in the province of Walloon Brabant, Belgium.

It is northeast of the larger town of Braine-l’Alleud, which is the site of the Battle of Waterloo, where the resurgent Napoleon was defeated for the final time in 1815.

Travelers come here to see Lion’s Mound – The lion on the mound.

The Lion’s Mound is a monument to the casualties of the 1815 Battle of Waterloo, located on the spot where a musket ball hit the shoulder of William II of the Netherlands (the Prince of Orange) and knocked him from his horse during the battle.

Other interesting places in that area are Wellington’s museum, Solvay Castle, Sonian Forest.

Warnings & Dangers in Waterloo

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Traveling to Waterloo is very safe, but tourists should be alert, not to carry a lot of cash, close cars if they rent them and be careful in crowded places.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transport is safe for travelers. But don't forget to watch your pockets. Taxi is a secure and convenient way to get around.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

The risk of pickpockets is medium in Waterloo. It may occur on tourist attractions if you leave your belongings unattended or do not keep an eye on your pockets.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

The risk of natural disasters is low here, but fires, landslides, and floods due to earthquakes are possible.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Travelers may become a victim of a robbery on streets if they appear at late night in the city. Be careful while walking by the city late at night. But it is rare to occur.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

The risk of terrorism is quite high, as it happens in the country. To avoid getting in troubles check the surroundings and the news sources before you travel to the city.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Usually, scams are not common here, but you should be watchful. Buy tickets to museums and attractions only in trusted locations. Be careful with those who offer you dubious tours or tickets on the streets.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

For women traveling alone in Waterloo, it's a safe place. Just use common sense when you are out in the street.

So... How Safe Is Waterloo Really?

Mostly, Belgium is a safe place to travel.

Waterloo is a very safe place with a very low index of crime.

However, burglaries are happening.

Travelers shouldn’t leave their belongings unattended and be cautioned in crowded places.

Make sure to hide your pin code and put the money away quickly so people don’t see what you have.

You should also be careful if you are hitchhiking.

This may not be safe.

There are cases of robbery of tourists in touristic places, but you should feel free to ask for help from the police – the work very well here and quickly respond to incidents.

Waterloo is a beautiful and historical place to travel however it pays to be on alert even here.

Terrorism in the country rises in lust years.

While traveling here, tourists are required to carry identification at all times, because police officers have the right to check your identity at any time.

There are increased security checks in place at international airports and major train stations now.

Despite these facts, in Waterloo, you will not feel uncomfortable.

The place is quite calm and crimes rarely occur here.

Just have common sense and watch your belongings.

Especially valuable items are better to leave in the hotel safe.

How Does Waterloo Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

You need to have a valid passport to travel to Belgium. For stays that are 90 days or shorter, visas are not required. For longer stays, you will need to obtain a visa from the Belgium Embassy, unless you have Schengen.

Currency

The Euro is the official currency for Belgium. A sign is €; code: EUR. The euro is divided into 100 euro cents.

Weather

The best times to visit Waterloo for ideal weather are from the end of May to mid-October. The average temperatures in Waterloo vary greatly. Temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a chance of rain or snow throughout most of the year.

Airports

The nearest to Waterloo airport is Brussels Airport. This airport has international flights from Brussels, Belgium and is 26 km from the center of Waterloo.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Waterloo Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Belgium - Safety by City